Director, National Sales – Speciality Channels

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in New Jersey.

📋 Description

• Lead the strategy and growth initiatives for Freshpet’s pet specialty channel business.

• Create account and channel strategies.

• Propel revenue and distribution growth.

• Enhance retail partnerships.

• Convert data into clear, actionable strategies that facilitate category expansion.

• Identify customer priorities, growth drivers, and target markets.

• Formulate high-impact initiatives that elevate the Freshpet brand and the fresh pet food category.

• Construct annual and quarterly strategic plans based on category trends, shopper insights, and retailer dynamics.

• Lead joint business planning efforts with customers.

• Sustain relationships with key decision-makers across both national and regional specialty retailers.

• Provide customers with advice on category growth, product assortment, and merchandising strategies.

• Manage revenue, distribution, and ACV performance for assigned accounts.

• Discover opportunities for distribution expansion, assortment optimization, and improved in-store presence.

• Track performance trends and adapt strategies in real-time.

• Ensure the successful execution of new item launches and in-store programs.

• Utilize data and analytics to assess performance and guide decision-making.

• Collaborate on forecasting, planning, and performance monitoring.

• Work with marketing, supply chain, finance, and operations teams.

• Coordinate with distributor partners to ensure consistent execution and broaden reach.

• Assist with account-level forecasts, trade planning, and investment strategies.

• Track financial objectives while balancing growth opportunities with ROI considerations.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related discipline.

• Over 10 years of experience in large CPG; experience in natural or pet channels is highly desirable.

• A proactive approach to business development, with the capability to identify and pursue new opportunities that lead to profitable growth.

• A strong sense of ownership and the flexibility to make effective decisions and achieve results in a dynamic environment.

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex negotiations and establish strategic customer partnerships that foster sustainable, profitable growth.

• Strong analytical and commercial skills, with the capacity to convert category, customer, and shopper insights into actionable growth strategies.

• Exceptional communication and storytelling abilities, with the skill to influence stakeholders at all levels and functions.

• Proficiency with Nielsen, Salesforce, or Power BI.

• Willingness to travel approximately 40% nationwide.

• Legally authorized to work in the United States.

• Must not require visa sponsorship.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Basic and optional life insurance.

• Short- and long-term disability coverage.

• Flexible spending accounts.

• 401(k) plan with company matching.

• Paid parental leave.

• Pet insurance.

• Tuition assistance.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) plan.